CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE, COMMUNITY PARTNERS MARK BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH & NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle led community partners in calling for action to strengthen resources for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and ahead of National Mammography Day, Congressman Morelle highlighted legislation he supports to strengthen prevention, screening, and treatment services for those battling cancer.

“Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Five years ago, that statistic became a reality for my daughter, Lauren—which is why this fight is so personal and so important to me,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Mammography Day, I want to bring attention to the urgent need for more resources to fight this devastating disease. I am proud to sponsor legislation that would bolster critical screening, prevention, and treatment services to support families impacted by cancer.”

Holly Anderson, President, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester said: "We applaud Congressman Joe Morelle for selecting the Breast Cancer Coalition as the place to remind everyone about National Mammography Day. Many of us, myself included, experienced a diagnosis of breast cancer thanks to a mammogram and our exceptional radiology providers, many of whom join us today. Though there is a lot of focus on screening and early detection during October, we especially appreciate the Congressman's attention to the other end of the breast cancer experience: after the disease is diagnosed. Too often, it is the biology of the tumor rather than how early it is caught that determines whether a woman (or man) survives this disease. For us, Congressman Morelle has turned October into ACTober by taking ACTion. His efforts to move the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act forward have provided the turning point for this critical piece of legislation. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, especially, we cannot forget those living with advanced disease through no fault of their own. National Mammography Day reminds every woman to schedule an appointment that could save her life. For those whose cancer is caught at any stage, the Breast Cancer Coalition is here for you."

Dr. Nancy Gadziala, FACR, Borg & Ide Imaging said: “There is a 1 in 8 chance a woman will develop breast cancer which is the second most common cancer-causing death in women. Take time to care for yourself and get a screening mammogram. Some women stopped getting screening mammograms during the COVID pandemic. It's time to return to regular checkups and if you have never been screened and are due to start, please don't wait.”

Dr. Posy Seifert, Breast Imaging Radiologist, Elizabeth Wende Breast Care said: “Start at age 40 and once a year with mammography screening if you are average risk for breast cancer. Have a conversation with your health care provider regarding your risk for breast cancer by age 30. If you are found to be of higher risk, you may need to start screening earlier than age 40.”

Dr. Ken Van Sickel, Rochester Regional Health radiologist, Chairman of Ambulatory Imaging and Medical Director of the Mobile Mammography Center said: “The importance of breast screening cannot be overstated. Early detection through screening provides for more treatment options, better outcomes, and the increased chance for cure.  Rochester Regional Health’s Mobile Mammography Center helps women overcome some of the obstacles that prevent them from obtaining those lifesaving screenings, particularly access in underserved areas for women who might not otherwise have been screened.”

October is recognized across the country as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Mammography Day will be observed on October 21—bringing attention to the critical need for early detection. Nearly 300,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. In addition to highlighting local resources to support those impacted by cancer—including the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, Rochester Regional Health's Women's Imaging Center, Borg & Ide, and University of Rochester Imaging—Congressman Morelle outlined legislation he sponsors, including:

• The Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act – Legislation authored and introduced by Congressman Morelle to fund life-saving breast and cervical cancer screening services for low-income and underinsured patients. The bill would reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) through 2027, making screening services more accessible to more people.
• The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act – Legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Morelle would provide immediate access to support and medical care for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. The bill would waive the current waiting period for patients to take advantage of Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, allowing patients with late-stage cancer to access critical care sooner.